Shen goes OT to win

Fusco's touchdown extends season, Steuerwald's career

Shenendehowa's #25 Tony Fusco is congratulated by teammate #1 Jahlon Buchanan, at right, after Fusco's TD against North Rockland during the state Class AA quarterfinal football game at Dietz Stadium in Kingston Saturday Nov. 12, 2011. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) less

Shenendehowa's #25 Tony Fusco is congratulated by teammate #1 Jahlon Buchanan, at right, after Fusco's TD against North Rockland during the state Class AA quarterfinal football game at Dietz Stadium in Kingston ... more

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale

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Shenendehowa's #25 Tony Fusco is congratulated by teammate #1 Jahlon Buchanan, at right, after Fusco's TD against North Rockland during the state Class AA quarterfinal football game at Dietz Stadium in Kingston Saturday Nov. 12, 2011. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) less

Shenendehowa's #25 Tony Fusco is congratulated by teammate #1 Jahlon Buchanan, at right, after Fusco's TD against North Rockland during the state Class AA quarterfinal football game at Dietz Stadium in Kingston ... more

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale

Shen goes OT to win

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KINGSTON -- The starting offensive unit for the Shenendehowa football team helplessly stood on the sideline. Some paced back and forth, others yelled for fans and teammates to scream and a few simply stood near coach Brent Steuerwald and his assistants.

There was nothing any of them could do but watch.

After the Plainsmen missed on a field-goal attempt to start overtime of the state Class AA quarterfinal game against North Rockland at Dietz Stadium, the Red Raiders had their chance to end the game.

Junior Paul Prendergast, however, had his 30-yard effort sail wide left -- barely.

"We were very fortunate that first field goal was missed, let me tell you," Steuerwald said.

Prendergast opened the second overtime by making a 35-yard field goal, giving the Plainsmen the chance to end things with a touchdown. On first-and-goal from the 9-yard line, Tony Fusco snared a screen pass one-handed from senior quarterback Teddy Van Galen and turned up the field along his sideline. North Rockland defensive back Rashon Johnson charged right at Fusco, but the senior proved to be Shen's Superman by leaping Johnson in a single bound to reach the end zone and clinch a 13-10 triumph.

The entire Shenendehowa bench swarmed to the end zone to celebrate the school's first state playoff overtime triumph. At the 15, North Rockland captain Mike Caputo sat on the field in stunned silence as the Plainsmen flew past him to join Fusco. At the 25, Steuerwald and his assistants were joined by athletic director Chris Culnan and school superintendent Dr. Oliver Robinson in a giant group hug.

A season that appeared destined to end in a crushing loss instead extends into the state semifinals Saturday night when the Plainsmen (11-0) meet Section IX champion Newburgh Free Academy (9-1) at Dietz Stadium. Game time is 7 p.m.

Not only was it special for the players, it extended the coaching career of Steuerwald. The only coach the program has ever known is roaming the sideline in his 44th and final season. A part of so many special victories, Steuerwald wondered with his coaches, players and fans if the 2011 season would end with a colossal thud as the Red Raiders (9-2) appeared poised to prevail in the first OT session.

"We wouldn't have had the chance to win that if the field goal had been made," Steuerwald said. "I liked being on defense (to start the second overtime). It allowed us to make decisions. I thought the kids handled the second overtime very well."

Football overtime in high school is sort of like a soccer shootout. Each team gets the ball at the opposition's 20-yard line. If the teams are tied after one overtime, they each get the ball again from the 20.

"It is absolutely like soccer, except that teams go from the 20 and can get first downs. It is a lot different than (pro football). At least both teams gets a chance," Steuerwald said.

Saturday night's wins by Shenendehowa and Burnt Hills means all five Section II teams advanced to the state semifinals, which is just the third time that has happened since the Class AA level began in 1996. Section II also sent five to the semifinals in 1997 and 2002.

"I'm so excited right now. I can't even explain it," said Fusco, who also scored on a 30-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

"We're on top right now, but we have to keep going up."

Van Galen's perspective on the game-winning play was an interesting one.

"I dropped back and there was immediate pressure. I went back, I threw it and (someone) hit and I was on my back," Van Galen said. "I looked up and saw him go up and over. I was going crazy."

"Teddy threw a great ball to me, my line blocked great and I knew nothing could stop me," Fusco said with tears flowing and the senior clinging tight to the game ball under his left shoulder.

Steuerwald praised his team's effort and commitment leading into Saturday's game and commended their resolve and determination for persevering to advance to the semifinals.

Obviously, Steuerwald is thrilled his players don't have to turn in their equipment just yet and his whistle remains at the ready. He smiled as Fusco was swarmed by fans wanting to have their picture taken with the 215-pound standout, who led Shen with 125 yards on 27 carries in a hard-hitting contest.